Germany vs Nigeria 2-0; Falconets show class and glory; Germans make history
Nigeria's Falconets left Germany as the only African team to play in the finals of any FIFA Women's World Cup or the Olympics.
Despite a 2-0 loss to the Germans in the tournament, the Falconets have made Nigeria proud and proved that President Goodluck Jonathan was ill-advised to withdraw Nigeria from FIFA events, a decision that was later rescinded.
The promotion they earned Nigeria globally in terms of image was huge and they return to Nigeria as Africa's heroines.
The Falconets were wonderfully spirited and never gave up, showing great class and glory in their play and style; and ultimately even in their defeat.
The German home team could have made it easier for the capacity crowd in Bielefeld with a second goal before finally putting the issue beyond doubt in injury time.
Germany now becomes the first host nation to lift the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup on own soil.
Feat is thanks to an early goal from their penalty-box princess, Alexandra Popp, and a late own goal by the Falconets.
The early minute goal by Germany did not affect their positional play and total confidence on the ball. They looked good in terms of ball play and basic football runs.
What they lacked was the ability to mount pressure on the defence of their opponents, the Falconets; as their good play happened mostly in their own half.
The goal was Popp’s 10th of the tournament; meaning that she wins the addidas Golden Shoe for the top marks-woman at Germany 2010 while also becoming joint top scorer in all five editions of the tournament.
Not only did Germany win the trophy, but they also picked two of the individual awards -- a pointer to the level of skills and discipline within the team.
This is the second time Germany has lifted this crown -- they were also champions in Thailand in 2004 -- and it was fully deserved as they wrapped up their sixth successive victory.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has enthused about the quality and attractiveness of football play of the teams and the fact that the four finalists at the just concluded mundial were from different continents.
Nigeria's Falconets left Germany as the only African team to play in the finals of any FIFA Women's World Cup or the Olympics.
Despite a 2-0 loss to the Germans in the tournament, the Falconets have made Nigeria proud and proved that President Goodluck Jonathan was ill-advised to withdraw Nigeria from FIFA events, a decision that was later rescinded.
The Falconets were wonderfully spirited and never gave up, showing great class and glory in their play and style; and ultimately even in their defeat.
The German home team could have made it easier for the capacity crowd in Bielefeld with a second goal before finally putting the issue beyond doubt in injury time.
Germany now becomes the first host nation to lift the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup on own soil.
Feat is thanks to an early goal from their penalty-box princess, Alexandra Popp, and a late own goal by the Falconets.
The early minute goal by Germany did not affect their positional play and total confidence on the ball. They looked good in terms of ball play and basic football runs.
What they lacked was the ability to mount pressure on the defence of their opponents, the Falconets; as their good play happened mostly in their own half.
The goal was Popp’s 10th of the tournament; meaning that she wins the addidas Golden Shoe for the top marks-woman at Germany 2010 while also becoming joint top scorer in all five editions of the tournament.
Not only did Germany win the trophy, but they also picked two of the individual awards -- a pointer to the level of skills and discipline within the team.
This is the second time Germany has lifted this crown -- they were also champions in Thailand in 2004 -- and it was fully deserved as they wrapped up their sixth successive victory.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has enthused about the quality and attractiveness of football play of the teams and the fact that the four finalists at the just concluded mundial were from different continents.
Kudos to these ladies, i always believed they would do much better than the Super chickens did at the men's game in south africa
ReplyDeleteWe have always led female soccer in Africa, so this does not come as a surprise to me. Very well done girls!!!
ReplyDeleteseem 2 me dat female soccer in africa is our birthright, else how do u xplain our blazing trail in african female football recently n in d past?.
ReplyDeletec'mon girls, i luv u all. u gals r d bum. more grease 2 ur elbows 4eva n eva n eva...!!!!
who says a woman cant do wat a man can do, n even beta. ya, go girls go...we're all behind u all 100%
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ReplyDelete@charity, i say ur so ryt. dont u tink it'd be gud idea to substitute the super chickens wit our glorious girls?
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